Petitions/Mandatory 15-year minimum sentence for all child sexual offences
StatusOngoing
Opened13 May 2026
Closes
Government responseResponded
Parliamentary debateNot eligible
Milestones 10,000

We urge the government to amend the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to introduce a mandatory minimum 15 year custodial sentence for all sexual offences against children including grooming, exploitation and rape. Current sentencing does not reflect the lifelong trauma caused to victims.

Child sexual abuse is one of the most serious crimes, yet many offenders receive sentences below 15 years. Mandatory minimums would ensure justice for victims, act as a stronger deterrent, and protect the public by keeping predators off the streets longer.

11,318Total signatures
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Government response

The Government considers tackling all forms of child sexual abuse to be one of its highest priorities and is committed to ensuring a strong and effective response across the criminal justice system.

Constituency engagement ranking

Darren Jones
1Darren Jones MP
Bristol North West
132
Nesil Caliskan
2Nesil Caliskan MP
Barking
67
Colum Eastwood
3Colum Eastwood MP
Foyle
67
Margaret Mullane
4Margaret Mullane MP
Dagenham and Rainham
66
Matthew Pennycook
5Matthew Pennycook MP
Greenwich and Woolwich
63
Richard Baker
6Richard Baker MP
Glenrothes and Mid Fife
63
Sir Stephen Timms
7Sir Stephen Timms MP
East Ham
62
Vicky Foxcroft
8Vicky Foxcroft MP
Lewisham North
61
Miatta Fahnbulleh
9Miatta Fahnbulleh MP
Peckham
60
James Asser
10James Asser MP
West Ham and Beckton
59